Dwelling approvals rise in September

The number of dwellings approved rose 15.4 per cent in September, in seasonally adjusted terms, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today. 

Daniel Rossi, Director of Construction Statistics at the ABS, said: "The rise was driven by private sector dwellings excluding houses, which increased 23.4 per cent. Private sector houses rose for the third consecutive month, increasing by 9.7 per cent in September.

"The September results indicate continued demand for detached housing following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in most states and territories. A range of Federal and state-based incentives are also providing support for the housing sector."

Across the states and territories, dwelling approvals rose in Western Australia (42.6 per cent), South Australia (28.3 per cent), Queensland (19.3 per cent), Tasmania (18.8 per cent), Victoria (12.4 per cent) and New South Wales (4.6 per cent).

Approvals for private sector houses rose in South Australia (19.9 per cent), Western Australia (15.1 per cent), Victoria (9.7 per cent), New South Wales (7.3 per cent) and Queensland (3.6 per cent).

The value of total building approved fell 17.0 per cent in September, in seasonally adjusted terms. The value of non-residential building fell 36.7 per cent. The decline was driven by the public sector, following a strong result in August. The value of total residential building fell in September (0.7 per cent), comprising a 1.0 per cent fall in new residential building, and a 1.1 per cent rise in alterations and additions.

Further information is available in Building Approvals, Australia (cat no. 8731.0).